We connected on a dating app called "Hinge" in 2022 and after a few days of texting, we met for our first date at Longwood Gardens. Hours of chatting as we walked the grounds led to many more dates where we learned more about each other, met each other's best friends and family, and started our love story.

At a family vacation to Smith Mountain Lake, VA, we went down to the dock at sunset to enjoy the serenity. We turned to walk back off the dock and Matthew caught Samantha's hand. When she turned around, he was on one knee proposing and the first thing out of her mouth was "this is not real!" It was the easiest yes, after realizing the moment wasn't all part of a beautiful fairytale. With help from his cousin, images and video were caught via security camera footage cleverly placed at the dock. When we got back inside the house, many of the Mekaniks greeted us with hugs and champagne to celebrate!